When I was a kid, my friend Chris always dressed like Taker. And I was always his Paul Bearer. 🤣🤣🤣 He would beat up kids at school that made fun of him and I would be right there going “oh yes!!!” 🤣🤣🤣 We didn’t have an urn but, I had and still have a metal shaped coffin purse and that’s where his “power” came from. 🤣🤣🤣
@@Yoni123here’s an idea, it’s his opinion, and he can say what he likes. It’s a beautiful statement, fact. Your viewpoint holds no more weight than anyone else’s
Paul Bearer was a consummate professional and a great man. He gave me one of the best moments of my life as a professional wrestling fan when I was a kid. It was a show in Calgary in the earlyish 90s and my Mom had been running late so we stopped by McDonald's on the way to the show. Now this was a show during the fall months in Alberta so it gets dark relatively early during this season. Waiting in line, I recognized him instantly. He was in full getup, likely stopping to grab something quick for himself and whoever else was riding with him and Taker. Recognized my recognizing him and not only was very nice and approachable, he hammed up for me. Did the voice and everything. And when I asked him if HE (meaning Taker) was with him, he escorted me out to this van and it was dead of night pitch black in this lit McDonald's parking lot, he opened the door and a big purple glove emerged from the darkness to take my napkin and sign it for me. Made my night on a great wrestling show and is a treasured memory I hold to this day. Rest in Power Paul, a great manager, but more importantly a stand out human being!
That's awesome. One of my favourite childhood wrestling moments was Paul Bearer related too, even if it is far less interesting than your story. I went to a show in Toronto shortly after Bearer turned on Undertaker for Mankind in '96 when I was like 11. I kept chanting "Rest in peace!" to Paul Bearer throughout the whole Mankind match, so Paul eventually turned to me and my family and screamed "Shut up little kid!", then got into this big shouting match with me and my sister. I was old enough to know wrestling was a work, so this made my day for sure.
Lol, best comment ever, and so true! Listening to Jim diss them all the time has created a lot of hilarious and unexpected moments from the wrestlers responding back to him.
Cornette justtalks BS! Never did anything relevant in this business! Everything he did went down the Hill because he is a f ing relic! @@bostonrailfan2427
The respect and love he has for bearer is amazing. Watching his whole career that last statement with him being the whole damn mountain made me tear up.
It's so good that Taker is doing one of these finally Like everyone has a podcast nowadays, but he's probably one of the only guys who is actually truly worthy of it. Him and Sting are like the two real legends left from their era who aren't dead or crazy, who are actually really good people Taker can speak real history. His position as such a respected figure in the locker room for so long, he's seen it all for our generation, so he is gonna have some great stories to tell.
@@8Bitorbust He's also seen stuff from eras before the ones everyone talks about these days, as well as a view of events we've heard so much about from a unique perspective as a locker room leader
I love everyone on this list. It even brought a tear to my eye when he said Paul Bearer was the whole damn mountain. I also like the fact that he mentioned Jim Cornette. As a kid watching wrestling, when Jim Cornette was on television, I hated him so much that I'd actually change the channel. As an adult, I found his "shoot" interviews and realized that I never really hated him, but just his character. The fact that he is one of my favorite people to listen to when talking about wrestling (or many other subjects for that matter) nowadays, makes me have that much more respect for the work he done as a manager. He may have actually done his job too good by getting people to hate him so much that they changed the channel.
I agreed with this whole list even Paul being the whole mountain if I could change one on the mountain I would swap capt😅Lou with Mr fuji or Jimmie heart
When you think of Paul Bearer’s importance to Undertaker throughout the 90s and how vital he was to telling the Undertaker vs Kane story, you almost forget that he became a side character in a major feud - it almost didn’t feel like a simple manager role at that point. He deserves all the praise he gets and he’s still underrated.
True. The problem was that he not known for managing anyone else. Miss Elizabeth wasnt good but she was iconic. I thought about Jimmy Hart but he wasn't as good on promos as Cornette and The Brain nor took bumps.
Yo that’s became like a real thing to me cause I said Paul bearer with undertaker then come Kane you gotta pick up the book cause we was looking at brothers of our childhood but taker was different every time u disrespect him he will put u in check wit the word of the lord..#BelieveThat
Paul Bearer & The Undertaker were a magic duo almost like Penn & Teller with how Penn tells the stories as the showman and Teller performs the magic on the big stage with sleight of hand etc.
That's why its important to listen before typing comments. I expected him to mention Paul Heyman. But when he explained why Paul Bearer wasn't on the list, it all made sense. He is the whole mountain. Oh YES!
@Purist-dc4vk He didn't mention Teddy because Teddy never really did anything as a wrestlers manager like the rest the only thing that got Teddy over was him being one of the best GMs of SD.
@@JarodJoseph Taker isn't a racist the reason why he didn't mention Teddy is because Teddy was a sh*t wrestler manager compared to other managers Taker mentioned.
I have always hoped Undertaker would write an autobiography one day after he retired. I've read many wrestling bios, but that is one that I've always wanted to read the most. Preferably one not overseen and/or edited for WWE tastes, but an uncensored, raw look at the legend and his stories.
Paul Bearer is the whole damn mountain. Might be kinda silly or whatever, but that brought a little tear to my eye lol. I was born in 85 and I was obsessed with wrestling. I remember my grandpa took me to the cow palace to a wwf event, along with my uncle and some great uncle’s, and 2 things I specifically remember (this was around 1990) are, why the hell is this place called the “cow palace” there’s no cows lol, and the other is when Taker came out to wrestle, and the lights went out and them bells echoed through the arena and I was legitimately TERRIFIED 😂😂😂
Almost got all teary at the end there! Paul Bearer to me, I've never seen anyone sell me my childhood as someone I loved hated and needed for Taker and Kane better than him. R.I.P Paul Bearer ❤
This is a hard list to make because there are so many great managers in wrestling history. JJ Dillon, Jimmy Hart, The Wizard, Freddy Blassie, Mr. Fuji, Elizabeth, Woman, the list goes on and on!
@@michaelbeaule1966Savage never would’ve reached the level he did without Elizabeth. She was a perfect damsel in distress, she could bring an entire audience to tears with her facial expressions. Later on, with the NWO she showed she could be a capable heel. Liz’s heel turn in 1995 is one of the most underrated heel turns of all time imo.
I definitely would have mentioned Hart. I grew up watching him on Memphis wrestling. A true legend and someone u loved to hate. He did it all. Then moved on up to WWF and never missed a beat. I miss the good Memphis Wrestling days. King Lawler, Dundee, Joe Leduc, Austin Idol. The list goes on. The best wrestling in my opinion.
The one thing that always intrigued me about Paul Bearer and Undertaker is in his early days, how Taker could be all the way on the other side of the ring laying down and Paul would raise that urn and Undertaker would sit up simultaneously.. How in the heck did they do that I still have no idea.. Those little things is what made The Undertaker character real.. All the names that Taker mentioned are great, but he is completely right in that Paul Bearer is the whole damn mountain.
Bobby The Brain, Captain Lou, Jim Cornette and Paul "E Dangerously"....I can understand but Paul Bearer being the "whole" mountain is a truth that can't be argued (by me anyhow). Great choices.
Yes it can be argued, Taker has every right to see Paul as the "whole mountain" since he was his friend and so close to him, but to everyone else the "whole mountain" will most likely be someone else. Like a great number of people always name Bobby Heenan as greatest manager, therefore Bobby should be the "whole mountain". So it's definitely arguable.
@jonathanturbide2232 I see your point of view, but that's why I made sure to put "a truth that can't be argued (by me anyhow)". Everyone has different views and that's what makes this subject interesting.
The thing is Paul is not versatile. For the Undertaker, Kane, Mankind? Ideal (especially Taker). But those other guys could manage a Disney Princess and a Demon
Jimmy Hart belongs on the list for his pre-WWF Memphis work for his work against and with Jerry Lawler. He carried the load when Jerry Lawler was out with an injury.
That's a list of Managers who are up there,sir! And the fact you didn't mention Bearer shows how unbiased this answer was. He was an inportant part of the taker journey but wasn't for the buisness as a whole. Greetings from Germany. Fan since day one( my first match was the dibiase imposter angle as a kid)and on the Mount Rushmore of wrestler,you make definetly the list under the top 4,sir! Happy to subscribe to legend!
I agree 100% she would be on my mt rushmoore former champ and just look at her and macho man. She wasnt afraid to go toe to tow with anyone. Heenan would be #1 would also have The mouth jimmy hart and Mr Fuji would be my list.
Sir, I am a die hard fan of yours and have been ever since my childhood. I actually had one of the most special moments of my life when I got to speak to you at Wrestlemaina fan axxess at WM 38 last year. I am so excited for this channel and to get to hear your stories and perspective on all elements in wrestling and life in general. 😃Keeping that in mind I have wanted to hear your thoughts on Bray and how it has made you feel? As you were a huge advocate of his. I still have not been able to get over it and don't think I ever will. ❤
As one of your biggest fans growing up I was in awe of your character. Now after all these years I, along with all your fans get to see what a cool guy you are. That last comment brought a chill to me. Thanks Taker!
Tough question. Honorable mentions - Classy Freddie Blassie, The Grand Wizard, Gary Hart. That Paul Bearer had two distinct characters/incarnations as manager speaks volumes (aka Percy Pringle).
Paul bearer is one of the nicest guys in the wrestling business. Kane said at his Hall of Fame induction that he answered fans on Twitter all the time. He answered every time I’ve ever tweeted him that meant so much to me. Thank you so much rest in peace.
Sure, if you're going to mention managers outside your Mount Rushmore. There's no world where Sherri Martel is in the top 4 of all time, though. These lists are subjective, of course, but I've watched a lot of people in the business answer this question, and her name rarely comes up.
To me Percival Pringle was like the southern version of Bobby Heenan. Then to become Paul Bearer and have another legendary run was entertaining and he embodied those gimmicks 100%. Never be any others like the 5 that were mentions. Absolute legends and whoever didn’t get a chance to see them all in their primes really missed what pro wrestling was all about.
Funny i remember Bobby Heenan saying that Percy Pringle was trying to be Bobby Heenan back then. Bobby told him to be himself, and what Paul was, he was a mortican and a manager.
Alot of fans only remember him as Paul Bearer but before that he was Percy Pringle the third and was hilarious as a manager in Dallas he had the Pringle Dynasty
I Think SHERRI should be close as honorable mention. In her kind of era, she had such a presence at ringside. With this "unique" creative look and character personality that we noticed almost everytimes... I think it aged really well. You knew she was there.
Bobby the brain, was an amazing manager, colour commentator and all round amazing, Jim cornette again was amazing with the people he managed and 100% agree Paul bearer was the best manager for you, Kane & mankind, great at the talking when needed and crazy thing that he was a license bearer ❤
Jimmy Hart was the top heel of an entire territory for years, in Memphis before he went to WWF. Only manager to ever be that important, for that alone he should be a Mount Rushmore candidate on anyone's list in my opinion, but hey it's a matter of preferences. 😊
I won't diminish his importance to the WWF, he was great there but it is true his time and importance to Memphis is often underapreciated by fans. I mean if Lawler was the Memphis goat, Jimmy was no 2.
The great thing about Bobby Heenan he wasn’t just a manager for one superstar he had so many under his management and he elevated all of them to success.
Bobby Heenan, J.J. Dillon, Jim Cornette and Sherri Martel. I loved Sherri, she was amazing. Totally crazy and put out mad energy at ringside no matter who she was managing. Always willing to put her body on the line.
Bobby Henan is my #1!! My Top 4: 4.) Paul Bearer (his gimmick added so much to how we as fans experienced the Undertaker) 3.) Scary Sheri (my all time fav valet, manager she could wrestle and again added so much to both HBK & Macho Man's promos and matches Harlem Heat too!! Sis was funny and a great heal opposite Ms Elizabeth. 2.) Jim Cornette (Because im still listening to Jim Cornette pop his ish and talk TODAY!!) 1..) Bobby Henan (The GOAT manager and the Top 3 commentator on my list. He was quit witted and super funny.) His hall of fame speech gave me chills
The greatest there is the greatest there was - The UNDERTAKER. Thank you for the entertainment for the past 30 yrs deadman. Although deep down we still want u to wrestle more 😆😆
Bearer being The Mountain of Managing is honestly still underselling. He had EVERYBODY's Abilities Mentioned and you still couldn't help but cheer seeing him *Even* as a Heel. There are very few that had 0 Slips in their Promos, the Executions of said Promos, Mannerisms, a True Showman, that, when he appeared in Late '90-Early '91... Decades, ahead of his Time. There is only 1 Mortician in Wrestling. Amd while his Coffin Maker is no more.... *The Spirit Of The Urn touches our Souls, to this day....the Spirit was NOT, The Spirit Of The Undertaker, but the Spirit....* *Of Paul Bearer*
Mark, is this your channel or a host running your channel. Mr. Taker, you are one of the icons in wrestling, man. I didn't even know you have a podcast, let alone, a channel on this platform.
Bearer was a fantastic manager! If you take his wwf run from 1990 to April 1997, you’d say yeah, he was important to the presentation of the undertaker character. His 97 run, with no makeup was superb! He made that Kane taker storyline. Bearer was a little bit more Percy in ‘97 and it was remarkable. Some guys had standout years in ‘97. Bret and bearer come to mind.
IMO, Paul Bearer did all the heavy lifting for the Undertaker from his debut into his feud with Kane. It wasn't until Paul Bearer turned on the Undertaker and introduced Kane that the Undertaker was able to emote more and show vulnerabilities as a character. Paul built a dark ecosystem within the WWF for the Undertaker's character to exist and feud with other supernatural characters like the fake Undertaker, the Executioner, Papa Shango, Mankind, Kane, etc. and then with the Ministry the Undertaker continued the idea somewhat with Mideon, Viscera, the Acolytes, etc. Without that roster within a roster the Undertaker as a supernatural character would have stuck out like a sore thumb and could not work as well as he did. IMO, that's what Bray Wyatt was lacking in his run with the WWE. He built his own universe within the WWE universe, but didn't have as many other dark characters to work with as the Undertaker did.
I remember there was a show in MSG in 1991 where Bobby Heenan gave Undertaker the highest compliment you could get when he commented how the audience reacted to him the same way they reacted to Andre the Giant.
Paul’s biggest management role was his of the Taker, I feel like that’s why he didn’t want to name drop his name. Just because he wanted to give a different piece of mind. His love for that man went without mention.
The thing with Paul Bearer, certainly in terms of his character, is just that he was different, rather than better or worse than those other four in this list. He's not comparable, certainly when it comes to WWE/WCW big time kinda managing, with the other heel managers that managed so many people and got so much heat. And I mean that in a positive way. Paul Bearer was awesome at being that character that was so intertwined with the Undertaker saga that he couldn't (and shouldn't) really do all that other stuff, as there are many talents that you couldn't just stick him with as it would make no sense. Obviously he managed Kane as well for a while and a bit of Mankind and Vader briefly, but he's effectively the Undertaker's double act partner and was primarily focused on getting the Undertaker over for all those years.
I had the pleasure of meeting Paul Bearer when I wrestled once in Florida. It was a nice chance meeting and he actually gave me some great comments and tips on my look and character I was going for at that time. It was a blessing to listen to him and to be able to meet him. He was my favorite manager growing up and I never thought I would ever meet my any of my favorites but I at least was able to meet him and have a small few minute conversation with him that I never dreamed would have ever happened. That very small moment it was as if he was giving me tips as if he was my manager, at least that is how I felt. Rest in peace Paul. My 4 in no order would be Bobby Heenan, Jim Cornette, Paul Bearer and in a weird way when he was a manager more of a wrestler Million $ Man
There seems to some confusion by commenters on Undertaker's picks, especially with Paul, but it makes perfect sense if you see it poetically. His first 4 picks were selected based on a position of a wrestling fan and historian. He reserved Paul Bearer last because it was personal to HIM. Meaning, regardless of everyone else's picks, Paul was tailored for the Undertaker's character. They were a perfect match and became very close friends.
My Mount Rushmore/Top Favorite Managers. 1. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan Growing up in the 80s and 90s watching WWF wrestling was the simply the best and watching him and all the awesome superstars he managed was fun to watch. The complete package whether he was talking about Heenan Family opponents, on commentary with Gorilla Monsoon, or doing a funny segment. Cunning, intelligent, funny, and talented he is definitely the greatest manager and my favorite manager of all-time. 2. “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart So good portraying a heel and so annoying on the microphone one would hope someone would put a stop to his shenanigans. Definitely managed a lot of great talent and interesting to watch the many ways he interfered in matches. Classic! 3. Jim Cornette So brilliant and devastatingly great on the microphone he was certainly very entertaining to watch and someone who managed some amazing talent. Knowledge of the business and his insights are so valuable and I do enjoy listening to him as he recalls moments in time in pro wrestling. Simply awesome! 4. Paul E. Dangerously Another great manager who has loads of smarts, talent, mic skills, and a devious nature he managed some of my all-time favorites and he’s definitely someone who has left a positive mark on professional wrestling. So many great managers and they deserve every bit of appreciation, respect, and thanks for their knowledge, passion, their contributions towards entertaining and exciting the fans, and helping guiding their talent to superstardom!
